Carpal tunnel syndrome is the bane of every computer user:
it is a syndrome of hand numbness or tingling, weakness, loss of grip strength,
hand pain, and the sense of the hands "falling asleep" upon waking. Pain can
even extend from the hands to the forearm, arm, shoulder, back and neck. This
problem is often attributed to repetitive finger use--such as with typing--but
it is not always associated with over use. Carpal tunnel syndrome comes from
swelling in the narrow semicircle of wrist bones that results in a pinched nerve
[the median nerve].

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is much more common in women than
men and unfortunately, it is often misdiagnosed. Delayed therapy may produce
more serious damage. While there are many devices that have been touted to
treat carpal tunnel syndrome, therapy is usually directed towards rest and reducing
the swelling. The definitive treatment, however, is surgery. The good news
is that this surgery can often be performed endoscopically, as an outpatient,
with return to full activities a week later.